2012 Telecommunicator of the Year - 2nd Runner Up

Cindy Staton of the Miami County Sheriff’s Office.   Cindy has been with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. Prior to that, she worked for Pittsburg State University dispatch and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office; totaling 23 years of experience. Miami County averages 1,000 911 calls per month and dispatches multiple police and fire agencies.

 Cindy’s co-workers describe her as “amazing to work with”. She is eager to help out in any way and shares her knowledge. She goes to work early and stays late if needed and is willing to help cover shifts when needed. She goes above and beyond on a regular basis and does an amazing job throughout the year.

 The deputies know that Cindy is passionate about officer safety and respect her skills to help keep them safe. Citizens usually end up thanking her at the end of their call because she has made them feel that our dispatchers genuinely care and do the best to their ability to get them the assistance they need.

 In September of 2012, Cindy received a 911 call from a hysterical female advising that her brother had a gun to his head and was suicidal. The caller was very difficult to understand when giving the address. Cindy was very calm with her and was finally able to get the address from her. Eventually, the mother got on the phone and in speaking with her; Cindy discovered the male subject with the gun was a deputy with her agency.

 She was able to keep the mother calm and advise responding units of the information. This was a very volatile situation as the subject was a law enforcement officer and was aware of what actions the responding units would take. There was a standoff with the subject before he was taken into custody.

During this call, Cindy displayed all aspects of what a great telecommunicator should have. She was able to take control of the phone call, calm, reassure, and make the caller feel more comfortable as the call went on. She was also able to remain calm on the radio while keeping the deputies updated with all the pertinent information. This call was not only emotional for the family involved but for Cindy and the responding units as it involved a co-worker.